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Ayodele Olorunfemi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the Ondo governorship election, says Peter Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ruined his chances of winning. On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the poll. The governor secured 366,781 votes in all 18 LGAs to defeat his closest rival Agboola Ajayi, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes. The LP candidate secured 1,162 votes, finishing fifth from bottom in the 17-candidate off-cycle election. BACKGROUND On the eve of the election, INEC…

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT   FORMER PRESIDENT OBASANJO WAS NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE   In a recent display of his characteristic self-importance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo once again took to the public stage to bestow his unsolicited wisdom on leadership and governance in Nigeria. From his lofty perch, he blamed those who served after his tenure for the nation's myriad challenges.   Unfortunately, the former leader's habit of casting aspersions on every subsequent administration has devolved into a recurring pastime, overshadowing the expectation of an elder statesman to join a constructive dialogue on attaining national progress.   In…

Rep Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, says the parliament is committed to passing the tax reform bills initiated by President Bola Tinubu despite threats by the state governors. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Mr Agbese said the lawmakers considered the four executive bills “catalysts for economic growth” and would support them despite the governors’ threats to hinder lawmakers’ return to the House in 2027. The bills are Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The bills seek to provide a fiscal framework and…

The lawmaker representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has continued to receive accolades from his constituents for his effective representation in the Green Chamber. Our correspondent gathered that the lawmaker has initiated several impactful projects in the education sector, including the renovation of schools, the transformation of Ofali Agwu School into Abia’s first smart school, the installation of solar-powered streetlights in some communities within the federal constituency, road construction, training and empowerment initiatives with start-up grants, and many other interventions for his constituency. In an interview with the press on Monday, Mrs Mary…

Four persons have reportedly lost their lives as yet-to-be-identified gunmen opened fire on some residents and security operatives in the communities, in a fatal attack at Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area and Abatete, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen, suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home, were said to have arrived Abatete community at about 8:30 am and opened fire on some residents, before proceeding to the Ukpo Roundabout, where they also fired, randomly at many people, including some members of the Anambra State Vigilante Operatives. It was gathered that…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three Nigerians as directors-general of various agencies and one special adviser on Public Communications and Media. The newly appointed special adviser is Daniel Bwala, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar 2023 presidential campaign organisation. Atiku, a former Vice President contested under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, and lost. Bwala was appointed Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications (State House). Other new appointees are Mr. Olawale Olopade -- Director-General, National Sports Commission; Dr. Abisoye Fagade -- Director-General,…

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has narrated how he discovered a dead bat on his bed before being declared the winner of the September 21 governorship election. Speaking during a post-swearing-in thanksgiving service held on Wednesday night at the Dr Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Okpebholo said God led the battle for him. He said while his opponents were deploying different strategies, he depended on God who showed him the way. “I want to thank God. In this last election, while I was praising God, they (traducers) were busy operating from Arise. They were busy operating from Facebook.…

Senator Orji Kalu, Rep Ibe Okwara, Others Pledge Support for 2024 Ohafia Day in Abuja Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) Abuja Branch, a socio-cultural association dedicated to fostering love, unity, and development among the Ohafia people, has announced plans to host the 2024 Ohafia Day in Abuja. According to a statement signed by Sunny Idika, head of the media and publicity subcommittee for the event, the association has intensified consultations to ensure the smooth hosting of the 2024 “Ohafia Day” in Abuja. Idika confirmed that the vibrant cultural celebration will take place on 7 December at Old Parade Ground in Abuja.…